There won’t be a lot of basketball action to speak of on Tuesday with only two games scheduled in the NBA. However, one of them won’t be short on star power with the Utah Jazz hosting the New Orleans Pelicans. This game will also be the featured Showdown contest on DraftKings, so let’s discuss some players to consider while building your lineups.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $100K Fadeaway [$25K to 1st] (NOP vs UTA)
Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans
SHOWDOWN STRATEGY
Captain’s Pick
Donovan Mitchell ($13,200 CP): There has been a lot to like about Mitchell’s production this season despite him shooting a career-low 41.9 percent from the field. He’s still averaging 23.2 points a game thanks to his 31.6 percent usage rate and he’s even averaging a career-high five assists a night. Given that the Jazz will continue to lean on him to lead their offense, he has one of the highest floors of any player in this matchup.
Zion Williamson ($12,600 CP): Facing Rudy Gobert ($8,000) is no easy task. With that being said, there is still a lot to like about Williamson in this game. First, he’s playing a lot more this season, averaging 32 minutes per game compared to 28 last season. Second, his 28.8 percent usage rate is tied for the team lead. That’s helped him average 37.8 DKFP per game. Like Mitchell, he carries a high floor into this contest.
UTIL Plays
Mike Conley ($7,800): When Conley is healthy, he can be a valuable source for production. He hasn’t missed a game yet this season, which has propelled him to averages of 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, six assists and 1.3 steals. He could be in line for some regression down the road given that he’s shooting 45.6 percent from the field. For context, he has shot 43.8 percent or lower in each of the last three seasons. Still, with his ability to contribute in multiple areas, he’s extremely appealing.
Steven Adams ($6,800): Playing alongside Williamson hasn’t hurt Adams, who is averaging 10.1 points, nine rebounds and 1.2 steals a game. His blocks are down slightly at 0.8 a night, but he’s also improved as a passer, leaving him with an average of what would be a career-high 2.8 assists a night. The Pelicans are going to need him to play a lot in this game against Gobert, so he could at least be a threat to record a double-double with a couple of assists.
Derrick Favors ($3,800): One thing that the Pelicans have up front is size with Williamson and Adams. That could cause problems for the Jazz, who start Bojan Bogdanovic ($6,000) and Royce O’Neale ($5,600) up front alongside Gobert. That could mean added playing time might be in store for Favors, who is listed as probable with a knee injury. Even though he’s only averaging 16 minutes per game, he’s still produced respectable averages of 5.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. If you’re looking to take a risk on a player with a cheap salary, Favors might be your man.
Fades
Eric Bledsoe ($6,600): The beginning of Bledsoe’s tenure with the Pelicans has been very disappointing. He’s averaging just 12.2 points and 3.8 assists a night, both of which would be by far his lowest marks since the 2012-13 season. His usage rate has plummeted to 18.7 percent and that might not increase anytime soon with the Pelicans focusing their offensive attack around Brandon Ingram ($9,600) and Williamson. Even if Lonzo Ball ($7,000) is forced to sit again because of a knee injury, Bledsoe is a risky option.
The Outcome
The Pelicans have not been playing well lately, posting a 1-5 record across their last six games. Their only win was a narrow five-point victory over the struggling Kings. Meanwhile, the Jazz have won five straight, including impressive wins over the Bucks and Nuggets. Unless Mitchell struggles mightily, it’s difficult to envision a scenario in which the Pelicans pull off the upset.
Final Score: Jazz 112, Pelicans 106
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $100K Fadeaway [$25K to 1st] (NOP vs UTA)
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